Biotin is required for the fatty acids and glucose formation so that essential energy is produced. Biotin also assists in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Biotin is available in food naturally and the dietary sources of biotin comprise of brewer’s yeast, cauliflower, bananas, egg yolks, salmon, liver, sardines, mushrooms and legumes. The deficiency of biotin is uncommon. The other possibilities for having biotin as deficiency is genetic biotin deficiency, surgical stomach removal, excessive consumption of alcohol and infant dermatitis. Biotin deficiency leads to hair loss, skin rash, heart problems and high cholesterol. Biotin supplements are effective for eczema, acne, diaper rash, brittle nails and hair loss. People having a history of seizures should avoid using biotin. This is a B vitamin that helps in converting food to energy. It is mandatory that minimum 30 mg is taken daily as there are adequate health benefits. Normal biotin intake strengthens fingernails and also controls blood sugar levels.

Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in the development of the human body. It is common knowledge that calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis. However, calcium also provides structural support in the development of muscles. Deficiency in calcium could cause obesity because it triggers the release of parathyroid hormone that stimulates the production of fats in the body and inhibits its breakdown. It also reduces the blood pressure. Calcium also has the ability to fight colon cancer by binding itself with cancer cells to inhibit its growth and progression. It is also beneficial to women suffering from PMS or premenstrual syndrome such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, water retention, breast tenderness, and headaches.

Chromium is an essential mineral that plays an important role with how the body uses glucose. Chromium may be found in brewer’s yeast, grains, cereal and in some beers. It aids in maintaining the ideal blood sugar level which helps diabetic patients. It also helps in the metabolism and storage of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the body that may help reduce fats. It helps improve muscle tone by burning the fats. It reduces hunger pangs, suppress cravings and appetite. It is help control the blood cholesterol level. It lowers the risks of cardiovascular problems. It also alleviates depression by stimulating the fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis that is important for brain function.

Copper, a trace element that is essential for the human body. Copper is needed to absorb and utilize iron in the body. Copper is a part of enzymes, essentially proteins that assist biochemical reactions in cells.

Folic Acid or Vitamin B9 is essential as it assists the formation of red blood cells in the body and genetic material within every cell. It helps in metabolism of proteins and prevention of anemia and is vital for cell growth and division. Folic acid is an important nutrient for pregnant women to prevent congenital malformation in the fetus. It reduces the risk of brain and spinal cord defects, heart defects, limb defects, urinary tract abnormalities and cleft palate in the fetus. It is highly beneficial if taken prior to and during the first month after conception. In men, folic acid reduces chromosomal defects in the sperm. Spinach, lettuce, peas, beans, sunflower seeds, asparagus, baker’s yeast, fortified cereal products and liver are rich in folic acid.

Iodine, a necessary element used by the body to make the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These Thyroid hormones are needed to maintain a healthy metabolic rate and cellular metabolism.

Iron is vital in human nutrition as the adult human body contains 3-4 grams of iron. Haem-iron and non-haem iron are the two types of iron. Foods rich in haem-iron include meat, liver, fish, and poultry. Foods that are high in non-haem iron are those of vegetable origin, like green leafy vegetables, cereals, legumes, oilseeds, nuts, dry fruits and jiggery. Iron is vital for numerous body functions, including hemoglobin formation, brain development and function, muscle activity, regulation of body temperature and catecholamine. Deficiency of iron affects immune system, reduces the number of T-cells and production of antibodies. Iron is also necessary for binding oxygen to body cells as its main function is oxygen transport and cell respiration. It works as an anti-cancer agent. Iron increases energy level of the body, improving physical performance. It prevents insomnia.

Magnesium, which is a mineral used by the body to help maintain muscles, bones, and nerves. Magnesium is also needed for energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

Niacin is a vitamin that wards against pellagra, a disease characterized by a vitamin B3 deficiency. Niacin is made from pyridine and is often called vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, because they all three have similar formulas. Niacin and nicotinamide are comparable in make up, but only niacin works to lower cholesterol levels. The restoration of DNA is also known to be a positive side effect of taking niacin. A fairly large number of individuals, particularly those in third world countries or those suffering from alcoholism, have been shown to be lacking in niacin. Niacin is often taken as a supplement by those with high cholesterol levels, as it has been proven to lower “bad” cholesterol and raise “good” cholesterol.

Pantothenic Acid is widely used for its effective use to treat acne. It is also used to relieve pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and to relieve morning stiffness. Deficiency of Pantothenic acid is rare but can cause nausea, fatigue, headache and skin abnormalities. It plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats to release energy. It is also vital in antibody formation which helps in building immune system and preventing infections.

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is the chemical element with the atomic number 15 in the periodic table. It is not found as a free element anywhere in the world. In biology and biochemistry it may be the most important element, being present in all living cells of living species. It is present in the DNA, in the RNA, in ATP, but is also found in cell membranes in form of phospholipids. It is also present in the bones, where it builds calcium phosphate salts, responsible for strong bones. Apatite is a collection of phosphate minerals which are generally found in bones and teeth; namely bromapatite, fluorapatite, chlorapatite and hydroxyapatite. Several phosphates are being added to body building supplements and powders, intended to aid in skeletal and cellular strength improvement.

Riboflavin, also called Vitamin B2, is naturally manufactured by the body. Riboflavin is needed for the proper use of oxygen and amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Riboflavin is also utilized by Vitamin B6 in the body and is used to manufacture niacin. Riboflavin is especially needed when eating large amounts of protein.

Thiamine, also called Vitamin B1 or Thiamin, is needed to help the body utilize energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Thiamine is commonly found in breads and cereals. Thiamine is water-soluble and is concentrated in muscle tissue as it passes thru the body.

Vitamin A is used for improving poor night vision, dry skin, and it can help acne. It is also a fat soluble vitamin. Too much vitamin A can cause side effects. An excess of vitamin A can actually make acne worse.

Vitamin B12 is a potent vitamin that needs only a little amount of dosage to work efficiently. It is sometime referred to as “cobalamin” because of its cobalt contents. It plays an important role in the production of protein from amino acids, maintenance of nervous system, growth and development, and in the production of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It helps prevent anemia because it promotes the production and formation of healthy red blood cells. It also protects the myelin in the nervous system that enables them to function properly that promotes mental clarity, and prevent memory loss. It is also important in cell replication, and proper metabolism of energy.

Vitamin B6 is one of the most important vitamins that play an essential role in the development and keeping the immune system healthy. Vitamin B6 is water soluble that contains pyridoxal, pyridoxine, and pyridoxamine. It is needed by the body in various functions such as red blood cell metabolism and conversion of the amino acid tryptophan to the vitamin niacin. It is also important in ensuring the efficient function of the nervous and immune systems. It helps manufacture proteins and neurotransmitters, haemoglobin, and prostaglandins. It also helps balance the hormones. Vitamin B6 is known to help give relief to women suffering from menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndromes. It also helps reduce the incidence of breast cancer.

Vitamin C- Perhaps the most popular vitamin, L-ascorbic acid is viewed as an essential nutrient and is required to synthesize collagen in humans. The L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C for short, is the famous ingredient of oranges and other citrus fruits. It has been said that a glass of pure squeezed orange juice provides the daily requirement of Vitamin C. While the antioxidant function is deemed important, other biosynthetic functions are of vital significance. It provides an electron for eight different enzymes, besides the aforementioned synthesis of collagen; it aids the synthesis of carnitine and neurotransmitters, synthesis and catabolism of tyrosine and the metabolism of microsome. The additional function as a reducing agent, keeping iron and copper at bay is an additional trait.

Vitamin D- The fast soluble vitamin D is perhaps the most underrated nutrient that is produced when sunlight touches the skin. But it is extremely vital for bone health, as without it the body cannot absorb the calcium that you may provide it in the form of supplements. With the advent of beauty products with high sun protection factor, this nutrient is becoming less available to our bodies. Even weaker sunscreens with just SPF-8 prevent the body considerably from producing vitamin D. Diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, and even schizophrenia may stem from deficiency of this vitamin. You can provide vitamin D to your body through supplements and foods like mushrooms, tuna, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, mackerel, fortified dairy products and cereals, yoghurt, and milk.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is known for protecting the tissues of the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Whey Protein is a mixture of globular proteins obtained from a byproduct of cheese manufacture called whey. These proteins are water soluble and form a colloidal mixture with it. Their main constituents are: beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and serum albumin. Whey protein is advantageous for body builders because it is absorbed very quickly and readily provides the muscles with the required amino acids for protein synthesis. Furthermore, whey proteins are made up of high amounts of branched chain amino acids which are involved in stimulating protein synthesis and providing fuel to the muscles. An example is the amino acid leucine which greatly enhances protein synthesis. Whey proteins also inhibit the constriction of the blood vessels with the effect that the proper blood flow is maintained to the muscles, further improving repair and growth.

Whey Protein Concentrate is the concentrated form of whey protein, which contains sixty five percent beta-lactoglobulin , twenty five percent alpha-lactalbumin (~25%), eight percent serum albuminand and two percent immunoglobulins. Whey protein concentrate contains low level of fats and cholesterol, and a high level of carbohydrates and bioactive compounds. It is twenty nine to eighty nine percent proteins by weight. Whey protein concentrate is mostly used by athletes and in general medical application because it provides proteins and low quantities fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates. It is not the favorite supplement for body builders because they generally use whey protein isolate, which contains more than ninety percent protein by weight.

Zinc, a mineral needed for cell division and repair as well as proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc is also an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body.